SPAIN: RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

UNCLAS MADRID 002622 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE DRL/MLGA FOR LYNN SICADE L/HRR FOR EVELYN ASWAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KTIA UN SP SUBJECT: SPAIN: RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES REF: STATE 169257 ¶1. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel demarche and non-papers to Spanish MFA Deputy Office Director for Human Rights Cecilia Robles Cartes on August 13. Robles said that she understood the tripartite position on the HRC's text for the declaration, but she indicated that Spain would support the declaration. Robles said that Spain has been involved in the drafting process since it began 11 years ago. The Spanish feel it is important to have a declaration, even if it is not perfect. Robles said that the declaration has come a long way from its starting point, with significant improvements over previous drafts. ¶2. (SBU) Robles said that Spain would prefer to see the declaration receive a consensus approval, noting that it now appears that this will not be possible. She characterized some of the U.S. criticisms as over-interpretations, and she noted that Latin America would not be supporting the text if it thought U.S. concerns were sound. Poloff asked her to consider the non-papers. Australia and New Zealand have not approached the MFA on the topic since the HRC vote. -------------- Visit Embassy Madrid's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/madrid/ -------------- AGUIRRE